The recap: the best new Brisbane restaurants, bars and cafes in September
September has been a month of impressive highs. In addition to sporting success, Brisbane’s food scene has been kicking goals – from the arrival of a game-changing Australian bistro and a one-of-a-kind Korean-inspired omakase spot, to the arrival of a chic Italian-style eatery and a dark horse contender for Brisbane’s best sandwich joint. Here’s what we loved in September …
Marlowe, South Brisbane: With its two-level bistro Marlowe, Fanda Group shifted gears. The hospitality juggernaut pivoted from its usual passport-stamped dining concepts to something distinctly closer to home. Set inside the heritage-listed Merivale Flats on Fish Lane, Marlowe exchanges global flair for nostalgia, delivering a deeply Australian experience wrapped in vintage charm. Designed by J.AR Office and built by Lowry Group, Marlowe has transformed a 1930s-era apartment block into a multi-roomed dining space that feels equal parts Art-Deco treasure and family living room. Executive chef Ollie Hansford is putting his fine-dining pedigree to good use, reimagining retro classics using premium local produce – think coral trout Wellington, curried-crab brioche and a heavyweight mixed grill. The drinks program is just as ambitious, with a cocktail list spiked with native botanicals and a 200-strong wine cellar stacked with back-vintage Aussie gems. More than just another opening, Marlowe is a love letter to Australian dining – one that celebrates memory, place and the timeless pleasure of a well-cooked meal.
Bar Monte, Newstead: Arcade Agency, the coastal hospitality group behind Light Years, Pixie Italian and The Smoking Camel, officially landed in Brisbane in August with the launch of Bar Monte – an ambitious inner-city spin on its retro-leaning Italian concept that first opened on the Gold Coast. Taking over the former Allonda space on Longland Street in Newstead, the 100-seat restaurant marks the group’s first move into Brisbane, making a strong first impression with a nostalgic post-war Italian aesthetic (courtesy of Studio Plenty) and a menu that walks the line between traditional comfort and playful invention. Expect hits from both Bar Monte Miami and Pixie Italian, including burrata with ‘nduja and cashew pesto, mezze maniche with sausage and kale, and veal cotoletta with brown-butter sauce. Drinks are equally dialled-in, with inventive cocktails (like a caprese martini) and a 100-bottle wine list curated by world-ranked sommelier Andrea Martinisi. More than just food and fit-out, co-owner Lorenzo Toscani says it’s the vibe that sets Bar Monte apart – an energetic blend of Italian warmth and Melbourne polish, designed to turn heads and keep the energy high.
SUUM, Brisbane City: How well do you know Korean cuisine? Sure, you might be familiar with bulgogi, bibimbap and tteokbokki, but there’s much more to Korea’s culinary offering. Andy Choi is looking to present Korean food in a new light with SUUM, a brand-new omakase restaurant nestled in the heart of The City. Inside his moody 16-seat hideaway, Andy is taking inspiration from the world of molecular gastronomy and applying it to SUUM’s seasonally shifting menu. Guests are treated to a procession of courses, sampling everything from marinated-prawn tartare and wild-sesame tuna to dombe-style beef noodle soup, striploin hansang with seasonal banchan, and abalone sotbap with tteokgalbi. Coupled with a drinks list that encompasses fine wines and Korean beverages (including Andy’s own house-made makgeolli – a traditional Korean rice wine), SUUM is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind addition to Brisbane’s dining scene.
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Fatty Patty, Underwood: What started as a simple expansion plan for Sam’s Gourmet Pizzas turned into a bold new venture when the Ghumra brothers found themselves with a space four times larger than expected. Rather than downsize their ambition, they launched Fatty Patty in Underwood – a two-in-one concept serving up halal-friendly smash burgers and, unexpectedly, some of Brisbane’s best deli-style sandwiches. While the burgers bring serious heat with crisp, caramelised patties and loaded sides, it’s the sandwiches that have stolen the show. The Fatz Signature – a meticulous, 10-day house-made pastrami built on shokupan – can barely stay in stock. The Goat’d, a wagyu-loaded steak sandwich inspired by their dad’s legendary home recipe, is another stand-out option. With a menu that balances indulgent comfort with sharp execution, Fatty Patty has struck gold. Driven by flavour, family and a clear gap in the halal dining market, the Ghumra brothers aren’t just flipping burgers – they’re rewriting Brisbane’s sandwich playbook.
Fellini’s, Brisbane City: Howard Smith Wharves doubled down on Italian cuisine last month, transforming the nook previously home to Gigi’s Homestyle Dining into Fellini’s – a coastal-inspired trattoria and bar. Channelling the lively energy of Italian street dining, Fellini’s offers diners a menu crafted by head chef Carmine Guarino – whose 26 years of experience and Neapolitan roots shape every dish. Guests can enjoy handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas, seafood and classic Italian mains like cotoletta di vitello and pesce all’acqua pazza, alongside a curated selection of wines, beers and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. Designed for both dine-in and takeaway, Fellini’s combines traditional flavours with fast, accessible service in a high-energy setting. Sitting alongside the more refined Ciao Papi, Fellini’s adds a fresh, family-friendly layer to the Howard Smith Wharves dining scene.
Many more restaurants, cafes and bars opened this month. You can have a browse through the latest foodie happenings by clicking here.